Page 20 of Fumbling for Perfection

“If they’re playing professionally, I’m sure they have their own trainers. I’d rather support those in need than millionaires who can afford their own private trainers, but if they want to support any of our fundraisers, I’ll gladly accept their money.”

“Have you reached out to any of the professional teams?”

“It’s on my list of things to do. I’ve been running a skeleton crew doing most of the business end of things myself. Once I’m—” She bites down on her lower lip and spins away from me.

“Once you’re...?”

Riley rolls her shoulders back and stands up straighter, as if feigning confidence. “Once I’m more ahead with...everything I’ll have more time to reach out.”

“What kind of fundraising have you done?”

“In early October, we host a Halloween costume themed 5K which has brought in some decent funds the past few years. I have more ideas but, again, time.”

We walk around the perimeter of the facility and stop at the stairs. “What’s up there?”

“Offices. PT rooms. A space we use for gentle yoga and Pilates.”

I follow her up the stairs and poke my head in the open doors. At the end of the hall, we enter what I assume is her office. It has a wall of windows that look down over the turf area where four patients are working with trainers.

“Nice view.” I move behind her desk and peer down at the bottom level. When I turn around, Riley is still standing in the center of the room, arms crossed and the clipboard missing.

“So, what, um, brings you to Boston?”

I lean against the windows and stick my thumbs in my front pockets. It’s either that or reach for her and cup her ass until she’s flush against my chest.

“Business. I flew in last night.”

“Are you here for a while?”

Not long enough to do all the things I want to do to you.

“Not really. I have a meeting this afternoon that will turn into a business dinner, and more of the same tomorrow. I fly back Friday morning.”

“Oh.”

I could be mistaken, but I think that was a disappointed,Oh.Since time isn’t on my side, I push off from the wall and take three long strides until I’m toe-to-toe with Riley. She drops her arms and tilts her head up.

“Have dinner with me tomorrow night.”

“Dinner?”

“Yes. Dinner.” I stroke the back of my fingers along her jawline. “The meal you have before bed.”

“I like to have a snack before I go to bed.” Her cheeks bloom nipple-pink again.

“We can do that too.”

She nibbles on her bottom lip for a moment before she speaks. “The snack or bed?”

“Whatever you want, Riley. If it’s just dinner, I’ll take it. If you want to have asnacklater, I’m game. If you want me to join you in bed? All you have to do is ask. There’s no way in Hell I could turn you down.”

Riley snaps out of whatever trance she’s in and takes a step back. “Dinner would be nice.”

I study her for a moment, wanting to press about the other, but I can see I’ve rattled her. We were supposed to have a one-night stand. Showing up at her work three weeks later wasn’t on the table or agenda. While I’ve had time to think about and plan our encounter, she hasn’t had time to process. I’ll give her the day, but I’m not letting her go.

I reach for her leg and slide my hand into the pocket in her leggings and pull out her phone.

“What are you doing?”

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